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Home | Ask the Recruiter | How Do I Get a Job in Private Security?
Question
I am interested in the field of private security. What can you tell me about the qualifications needed to enter this field, as well as the prospects for advancement in it?
Answer
Jobs in private security are plentiful, with over a million such positions nationally. The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) predicts the growth rate for jobs in this field to exceed the national average over the next several years. Few formal qualifications are necessary, with many companies offering on-the-job training.
If you are looking to advance to a high-level job, however, consider one of the following educational paths. One route would be to get a degree in human resources management. The security field is labor-intensive with high turnover, so supervisory or personnel positions need to be filled constantly.
Another route would be to receive training in a specialized component of security. On the most basic level, for example, firearms training could qualify you to work as an armed guard, which typically pays better than work as an unarmed guard. For more advanced career possibilities, consider technical specialties, such as electronic surveillance or IT security. As with most jobs, the more value you can add to the position, the more you are likely to earn.
If you are looking to advance to a high-level job, however, consider one of the following educational paths. One route would be to get a degree in human resources management. The security field is labor-intensive with high turnover, so supervisory or personnel positions need to be filled constantly.
Another route would be to receive training in a specialized component of security. On the most basic level, for example, firearms training could qualify you to work as an armed guard, which typically pays better than work as an unarmed guard. For more advanced career possibilities, consider technical specialties, such as electronic surveillance or IT security. As with most jobs, the more value you can add to the position, the more you are likely to earn.
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